De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Organic Italian Pasta for Sensitive Stomachs and Clean Eating, 16 Oz
De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Organic Italian Pasta for Sensitive Stomachs and Clean Eating, 16 Oz
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Why you'll love it
- Heritage authenticity from a brand making pasta in Italy since 1886
- Bronze-drawn, slow-dried process delivers a rougher surface that holds sauce better
- Genuine 'fresh pasta' aroma, flavor, and firm al dente texture versus mass-market pasta
- Tiny Acini Di Pepe shape is fun for kids and ideal for clear broths and baby food
- Wide shape variety (Cavatappi, Orecchiette, Penne Rigate, Paccheri, Elbows, etc.) covers virtually any Italian recipe
- Multi-pack bundles (3-pack, 4-pack) provide pantry value and shape variety in one purchase
- Home-made taste and chewy-yet-tender texture
- Made with high-grade / real flour
- No GMO / has vitamins
- Holds shape without breaking up in water
- Ridges (rigate) are excellent for grabbing sauce
- Consistent quality across the product line
Perfect for
- Cooking traditional Italian soups and consommé with Acini Di Pepe or Farfalline
- Preparing baby food and toddler-friendly vegetable soups with tiny pasta shapes
- Making family pasta dinners with versatile shapes like Penne Rigate, Farfalle, or Orecchiette
- Building a premium multi-shape pasta pantry using 3-pack and 4-pack bundles
- Creating thick, creamy or velvety soups enhanced with croutons or julienned vegetables
- Baked tuna casserole with mushroom soup, tuna, vegetables, and grated cheese
- Served plain with oil, salt, black olives, or mayonnaise
- Hearty meat ragu, creamy pesto, or simple tomato sauce pairings
De Cecco Orecchiette No. 91 Pasta 16
Orecchiette (little ears), also known as "strascicati", are a typical pasta shape from the Apulia culinary tradition. The shape is a round disc with a slight indent in the centre. In the culinary tradition of Apulia of home-made pasta, orecchiette were made with white flour, durum wheat semolina and water. After the pasta dough had been cut into small pieces, it was "dragged" ("strascicati" in Italian) with the tip of a knife to create a sort of small shell, then pulled back with the tip of the thumb. In traditional Apulia cooking, orecchiette are cooked in boiling water with broccoli or potatoes and served with a tomato sauce and sheep's cheese, or with garlic and Oil This pasta is also known as "Recchie" and is served with vegetable ragù, or lamb and ricotta ragù.
Product Information
Authentic Italian Pasta: De Cecco Orecchiette No. 91 is a traditional Italian pasta with a small, cup-like shape. The surface allows the pasta to perfectly capture and hold thick, flavorful sauces Premium Ingredients: We use durum wheat which is a high-protein, hard variety of wheat. The result is a smooth, firm bite that holds its shape and taste, giving you a superior pasta experience The De Cecco Method: Our pasta is renowned for its slow-drying process, where the pasta is gently dried at low temperatures for longer periods. This technique preserves the pasta's flavor, texture, and nutritional quality Endless Possibilities: Pair our pasta with a hearty rag ragù, a delicious pesto, sautéed vegetables, or enjoy it with a chunky meat sauce. Our versatile pasta helps transform every lunch & dinner into an unforgettable moment Discover the Tradition: Since 1886, we've been dedicated to bringing authentic Italian flavors to tables worldwide, with passion and attention to every detail, preserving a tradition of excellence without compromise.
Product Dimensions : 2.74 x 5.22 x 6.78 inches; 1 Pounds Item model number : VSS0091 UPC : 024094070916 Manufacturer : De Cecco Pasta Units : 16.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #2,280 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pasta a good option for people with sensitive stomachs?
Many customers with wheat sensitivity report that authentic Italian durum wheat pasta, especially organic options, sits better than non-organic or lower-quality wheat pasta.
Does De Cecco have a non-GMO option?
Yes. De Cecco pasta contains no GMOs and an organic line is available, making it a clean choice for wellness-focused shoppers.
Is this pasta a smart choice for someone prone to bloating?
Authentic Italian semolina pasta, made from high-protein durum wheat and slow-dried, tends to be easier to digest than mass-market pasta and is often better tolerated by sensitive individuals.
Does the slow-drying process preserve vitamins and nutrients?
Yes. Low-temperature, slow drying protects the natural vitamins and nutrients in the wheat better than high-heat industrial drying methods.
Is there added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients?
No. De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is made with 100% semolina and durum wheat and contains no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Can I include this pasta in a clean-eating or whole-food diet?
Yes. With just one ingredient, durum wheat semolina, plus the optional organic version, this pasta fits naturally into clean-eating, Mediterranean, and whole-food lifestyles.
Is this pasta suitable for a Mediterranean diet approach?
Absolutely. De Cecco is a traditional Italian pasta that pairs naturally with olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and seafood, all hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet.
Does this pasta fit into a mindful eating ritual?
Yes. A bowl of warm pastina in broth is one of the most comforting, intentional meals in Italian tradition, often recommended as a soothing, mindful eating experience.
How does this compare to gluten-free pasta for a sensitive gut?
For those without celiac disease who simply want a gentler wheat option, traditional Italian durum wheat pasta like De Cecco is often better tolerated and far more satisfying than many gluten-free alternatives.
Is organic pasta really worth it for someone focused on wellness?
For shoppers avoiding synthetic pesticides and additives, the De Cecco organic line offers peace of mind and a cleaner ingredient profile, which many wellness buyers find worth the small premium.
I worry about pesticide residue in conventional wheat, is this a better choice?
Italy regulates pesticide use strictly on durum wheat, and the organic De Cecco line goes further, making it a preferred option for those concerned about residue.
Does pasta really belong in a healthy diet?
Yes. Traditional Italian diets regularly include pasta as part of balanced, longevity-supporting meals, especially when paired with vegetables, legumes, and olive oil.
Will this pasta spike my blood sugar like other refined carbs?
High-protein durum wheat semolina pasta like De Cecco is digested more slowly than lower-protein refined pasta, especially when cooked al dente, helping to moderate blood sugar response.
Is this a comforting option when I'm feeling run down?
Yes. A warm bowl of pastina in broth is a long-trusted Italian comfort food, often called 'Italian penicillin,' and is one of the most soothing meals during a wellness reset.
Can I use this pasta as part of a soup cleanse or reset?
Pastina in clear broth with vegetables is a perfect gentle meal for reset days, providing nourishment, hydration, and comfort without heaviness.
How does this compare to homemade pasta from a wellness perspective?
De Cecco is made with a single high-quality ingredient and slow-dried to preserve nutrients, making it one of the cleanest store-bought options and a smart shortcut for a wellness-focused kitchen.
How do I cook Acini Di Pepe pasta perfectly al dente?
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Begin tasting at 5 minutes and pull it out when it is tender but still has a slight bite in the center.
What is the best way to add Acini Di Pepe to soup without overcooking it?
Cook the soup base first, then add the dry pasta in the last 8 to 10 minutes of simmering so it absorbs flavor while staying intact. If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
Can I use Acini Di Pepe in a baked casserole?
Yes. Acini Di Pepe works beautifully in baked tuna or chicken casseroles, in pasta bakes with tomato or cream sauce, and in gratins, though the small size means it cooks faster than larger pasta shapes.
Does this pasta work in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, but add it only in the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking in a slow cooker to avoid mushiness, and use the sauté or pressure-cook setting briefly in an Instant Pot. The small shape absorbs liquid quickly, so timing matters.
Is this pasta compatible with gluten-free diets?
No, De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is made from durum wheat semolina and contains gluten. For gluten-free needs, choose a certified gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes.
Does this pasta pair well with oil-based and cream-based sauces?
Yes. The bronze-drawn surface grabs onto light olive oil and garlic sauces, cream sauces, pesto, and chunky vegetable sauces equally well, making it one of the most versatile shapes in the De Cecco line.
What exactly comes in the box when I order it?
Each box contains 16 oz of dry De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 pasta, ready to cook. No additional ingredients, accessories, or tools are included, and nothing extra is required to prepare it beyond water, salt, and a pot.
Is this pasta safe for people with wheat allergies?
No, this product is made from wheat and is not safe for anyone with a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Always consult your doctor for ingredient compatibility with your specific dietary needs.
How should I store an opened box of pasta?
Seal the box tightly with a clip or transfer the pasta to an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry pantry away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Properly stored, it will keep for one to two years.
What is the difference between Acini Di Pepe and orzo?
Acini Di Pepe are tiny, round, bead-like pasta, while orzo is a larger, rice-shaped pasta. Acini Di Pepe is often preferred for clear broths, baby food, and pastina dishes, while orzo works better in salads and denser soups.
What is the difference between Acini Di Pepe and pastina?
Acini Di Pepe is one specific type of pastina. Pastina is the Italian category for tiny pasta shapes used in broth and baby food, and Acini Di Pepe, with its small round beads, is the most popular variety within that category.
